Preventing Elder Abuse

New York State's legislature is increasing funding for a local program to help prevent elder abuse in the state.

President and CEO of Lifespan Ann Marie Cook says the legislature increased their budget from $500,000 to $750,000. She says it'll primarily be used to combat the most common form of elder abuse -- financial exploitation, which she says is often times committed by the victim's family members.

Cook says an increased budget will help her organization better serve elderly residents.

According to Cook, every year more than 250,000 older adults become victims of elder abuse in this state. She adds with the additional funding, Lifespan can step up education and training and intervention efforts around the state.